Housework 'could keep cancer at bay'

HOUSEWORK could help reduce the risk of bowel cancer, a report claims. Just one hour of "vigorous" housework - scrubbing the floor, vacuuming the stairs or polishing furniture - is the equivalent of a session on the treadmill or a brisk walk.

HOUSEWORK could help reduce the risk of bowel cancer, a report claims.

Just one hour of "vigorous" housework - scrubbing the floor, vacuuming the stairs or polishing furniture - is the equivalent of a session on the treadmill or a brisk walk. That is considered enough activity to help cut down on the chance of colon tumours.

Bowel cancer is the third commonest cancer in men and the second in women.

The study, part-funded by Cancer Research UK and the Medical Research Council, found that physically-active people were 22 per cent less likely to develop colon cancer.

It concluded that an hour's vigorous exercise or two hours of moderate exercise would reduce the risk of some bowel cancers. Weight control is also thought to be an important factor.

Dr Lesley Walker, from Cancer Research UK, said: "You don't need to join a gym to get the benefit of exercise. If regular brisk walking or going for a run doesn't appeal, you can try some strenuous housework, gardening or cleaning the car."

"If you combine regular physical activity with a good diet you are more likely to maintain a healthy body weight which will also significantly help to reduce your risk of bowel cancer."

Channel 4's Kim and Aggie who present the hit programme How Clean Is Your House, said: "It's amazing how much energy you use just by doing basic housework."